Keynote speaker: TBA

Convener: Halleluya Ekandjo and Maideyi Lydia Meck 

Geoscience education for sustainable development in Africa plays a vital role in equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices. 

By integrating geoscience into education curricula, Africa can raise awareness about the continent's unique geological heritage, natural resources, and the impacts of human activities on the environment. Geoscience education fosters an understanding of earth processes, climate change, land degradation, and the importance of responsible resource management. It also promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative approaches to sustainability. 

Moreover, geoscience education in Africa can enhance local capacity by training a skilled workforce to tackle geohazards, water scarcity, and other environmental issues. By emphasizing the importance of sustainable development, geoscience education empowers individuals to make informed decisions, engage in sustainable practices, and contribute to the long-term well-being of Africa's people and ecosystems.

ST12_S01 - Geoscience communication 

Convener: Josephine Uushona

Geoscience communication in Africa plays a crucial role in promoting awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the Earth's processes and resources among diverse audiences. Effective geoscience communication involves translating complex scientific concepts into accessible language, engaging storytelling, and utilizing various communication channels. It aims to bridge the gap between scientists, policymakers, communities, and the general public, fostering dialogue and informed decision-making. Geoscience communication initiatives in Africa involve educational outreach programs, public lectures, science festivals, and the use of digital platforms and social media to reach wider audiences. By enhancing geoscience literacy and promoting the relevance of geoscience to everyday life, communication efforts in Africa contribute to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of geological heritage. Moreover, geoscience communication can inspire young Africans to pursue careers in geoscience, fostering a new generation of scientists and professionals who can contribute to addressing the continent's unique geological challenges and opportunities.

ST12_S02- Geoscience curriculums that meet industry needs 

Conveners: Maideyi Lydia Meck

Geoscience curricula that meet industry needs are designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experiences to succeed in the professional geoscience sector. These curricula are often developed in collaboration with industry experts and stakeholders to ensure alignment with current industry practices and emerging trends. They incorporate a combination of theoretical coursework and hands-on fieldwork, laboratory exercises, and industry-relevant projects. Geoscience curricula focus on core disciplines such as geology, geophysics, geochemistry, andhydrogeology, while also integrating interdisciplinary subjects like environmental science, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis. They emphasize the application of geoscience principles to real-world problems and encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills development. Moreover, industry-focused curricula often include internships, industry placements, or cooperative education programs that provide students with practical experience and exposure to professional work environments. By tailoring geoscience curricula to meet industry needs, educational institutions can produce graduates who are well-prepared and highly sought-after by the geoscience industry, contributing to the advancement of the sector and fostering a skilled workforce that can address the challenges and opportunities of the Earth sciences.